2012 Football Preview

Chryst Brings Big Credentials to Pitt

Some say Panthers are sleeper pick in watery Big East

August 22, 2012

PITTSBURGH - Whether it was a bias against Pitt because it's leaving the Big East for the Atlantic Coast Conference, or reality for a football program in transition - again - Pitt was picked to finish fifth in the woebegone Big East in its final season in the league.

First the transition: Todd Graham, who spent all of one season on the Panthers sidelines, pulled a Baltimore Colts and left in the middle night for Arizona State without so much as saying a word to his players.

He was dutifully torn apart by the media and Pitt fans for the move, and on Aug. 9, eventually offered his first public retort to an Arizona television station.

He said coaching Pitt was "a struggle" and that taking the job was "a bad decision."

''There are a lot more problems there than just me,'' Graham said. ''I wasn't comfortable in the area recruiting. I made a bad decision. When I got there I didn't realize the issues that were there.''

Oops.

Fact Box

Sept. 1: Youngstown State6 p.m.

Sept. 6: at Cincinnati8 p.m.

Sept. 15: Virginia Tech12 p.m.

Sept. 22: Gardner-Webb3:30 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Syracuse7 p.m.

Oct. 13: LouisvilleTBA

Oct. 20: at Buffalo3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: TempleTBA

Nov. 3: at Notre Dame3:30 p.m.

Nov. 9: at Connecticut8 p.m.

Nov. 24: RutgersTBA

Dec. 1: at USFTBA

PREDICTION

Win 7, Lose 5

In stepped Paul Chryst as the team's fourth head coach in 18 months. Chryst is the former offensive coordinator at Wisconsin where he was a two-time finalist for the Broyles Award. He led a Badgers offense that averaged a school-record 44.1 points per game en route to a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth last season. Chryst admits he'll feel better when he gets his type of players at Heinz Field but vows to not let this senior class down.

Now onto the lowly predictions. They may be too harsh. After all, there's certainly some talent on this roster. Just look at the preseason watch lists. Running back Ray Graham, who was unable to finish last season because of injury, was named to the Walter Camp and Doak Walker lists. Junior defensive lineman Aaron Donald is on the Rotary Lombardi watch list, while two receivers - senior Mike Shanahan and junior Devin Street - made the Biletnikoff watch list.

Additionally, the Panthers have a veteran quarterback in Tino Sunseri, who threw for 2,617 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The fifth-year senior has started 26 consecutive games dating back to the 2010 season opener at Utah.

So there's a hot-shot coach, some high-end talent, and a fair amount of experience there. While the majority don't think it's enough, more than a few high-profile college football writers have called Pitt not just a sleeper pick in the Big East, but a potential BCS bowl type team.

''Whether you are the team picked to finish first or the team picked to finish last, you have to earn your respect on the field,'' said Ray Graham, a first-team All-Big East performer last season. ''We understand that and know we need to work hard during training camp to have a chance to achieve our goals this season.

''The goal is always to win the Big East. That hasn't changed, but you've got to work hard as a team to make your goals a reality. Our first focus will be having a great training camp and then we'll take it week-by-week, one game at a time.''

The backup quarterback spot became thinner when sophomore Mark Myers left the program. Freshman Chad Voytik is taking Myers' reps.

Ray Graham rushed for 958 yards in only seven full games before tearing up a knee. Sophomore Isaac Bennett, who stepped in and ran for 237 yards and a pair of touchdowns, will also see plenty of carries. Freshman Rushel Shell came in with big credentials, having finished his Hopewell High career as the all-time leading rusher in Pennsylvania history with more than 9,000 yards.

Street (53 catches, 754 yards, two touchdowns last season) and Shanahan (39 catches, 493 yards, four TDs) will be counted on to lead the receiving corps, along with sophomore Cameron Saddler, who had 19 catches for 207 yards.

Juantez Hollins, who started seven games last season, is suspended for the year because of a violation of team policy.

The defense, which returns four starters, is switching to a 4-3, with Donald (6-0, 270), a mainstay at tackle, and senior free safety Jarred Holley (67 tackles), with a lot of question marks around them.

''I feel a higher level of responsibility this year since our defense will be younger than in the past,'' Donald said. ''It will be important to set a tone when camp starts with my work ethic. I've got to lead by example, go 100 miles an hour and let my teammates feed off my energy.''

''I've played all three linebacker positions but I love playing the 'Mike,' '' Gordon said. ''You're right in the middle of all the action. There's nowhere anyone can hide. I definitely feel like I need to step up for this year's defense. The Mike linebacker controls the huddle and calls the defenses. I've got to be a leader by what I say and how I play.''

Both starting specialists from last year are back, leaving the kicking game on solid footing. Placekicker Kevin Harper is a YouTube sensation who led the Panthers with 95 points last season, and punter Matt Yoklic figure to rank among the Big East's best.